Anna walked down a path that led her around to the front of the manor, then she walked in. When she saw the butler in the great hall, she decided to ask him where Mrs. Willis was.
“I believe she is in your chambers, Ma’am,” he replied.
“Thank you,” she said and started toward the stairs but paused and turned around. “I never got your name.”
“It is Chalker, Ma’am.” He smiled.
Anna grinned and gathered her skirts, then hurried up the stairs. She found Mrs. Willis in her chambers with Mason, and they were removing several dresses from boxes. The bedchamber she had spent the night in was much smaller than this new one, which had a sitting room attached to it, and she learned that she would move to the duchess’s chambers once she was married.
“His Grace just had these brought in,” the housekeeper said, holding up a printed jade green muslin frock. Most of the dresses Anna saw were green, and it drew a chuckle from her because she had told him she was fond of the color. “They were acquired from the village three miles from Dawnton,” Mrs. Willis added.
“They are lovely.” Anna stepped forward and stroked the emerald green dress that lay on the bed. The neckline, sleeves, and hem were embroidered with silver thread and the lace over the satin was speckled with glass beads.
“You will have to try them on, of course, so that they can be returned to the modiste to be adjusted to your size,” Mrs. Willis informed her.
“Are they all the same size?” Anna asked because she was reluctant to try on more than one dress at this time. Her body was still very tender.
“No, they are not, Ma’am. They were purchased from two different modistes, you see.”
“Well, perhaps I should have my measurements taken then,” Anna suggested.
“If that is your wish, Ma’am.”
Mason picked up the emerald green dress. “This appears to be your size, Ma’am.”
Anna observed the dress for a moment. “Indeed, it does. Good eye, Mason. I shall wear that for dinner.” The maid beamed and curtsied.
“Will your lady’s maid be arriving soon?” Mrs. Willis asked.
Anna pressed her lips and moved toward the window that faced the gardens. “No, I do not have a lady’s maid at the moment.”
“May I recommend Clarissa Mason for the role of your lady’s maid? She is literate, has excellent penmanship, and is very familiar with all the latest fashions.”
Anna looked at the red-haired maid. She had soft, genial features, and warm green eyes. “Very well, Mason may be my lady’s maid.”
Mason curtsied. “Thank you, Ma’am.” She took Anna’s measurements and wrote them down before gathering five dresses out of six and going to the modiste.
When Anna was left alone in the room with Mrs. Willis, she asked, “How long has the Duke been friends with Sir Nathaniel?”
“Oh, they were inseparable as children.” Mrs. Willis’s brown eyes gleamed with fondness. “Sir Nathaniel spent more days and nights in this manor than in his own estate six miles away. I am happy to see that after all these years, they are still as good with each other as ever.”
Again, Anna felt reassured. She had been disturbed when she learned he was well acquainted with Hunter. Now she was understanding that it was only business and it did not mean Sir Nathaniel was similar to him. “May I ask how long you have been in Dawnton, Mrs. Willis?”
“Thirty-two years, Ma’am. The former butler was the late Mr. Willis and my husband. He passed on nine years ago and Mr. Chalker took his place.”
“Oh, my condolences.”
The housekeeper regarded her warmly before she straightened and brushed her hands down her brown frock. “His Grace has informed me that you will be married in a few days. You shall have copies of all the keys in the manor, and I will present the household accounts to you.”
Anna’s heart beat a little faster, and she bit her lip. “I…I am not prepared to be a duchess,” she admitted. “May I rely on you for guidance?”
“Of course, you may, and I shall try my utmost to serve you as I have the late duchess.”
“I appreciate that, Mrs. Willis.”
Her mouth curved graciously. “I will have some tea brought up to you, and afterward, you may begin preparations for dinner.”
“Very well.” Anna turned toward the window and saw Ashden walking with Sir Nathaniel. As though he could feel her eyes on him, he looked up, his blue gaze holding hers and warming her.
